New coach, same result for Melbourne Vixens, as they started their Super Netball title defence with a strong 60-49 away win over the new-look Queensland Firebirds.
The Queenslanders started all three of their Silver Ferns recruits in defender Kelly Jackson, mid-courter Maddy Gordon and shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit.
While they all had their moments, the Firebirds predictably didn't have the cohesion of a Vixens side which was basically the same outfit that swept to the title last year.
Di Honey, who replaced championship-winning coach Simone McKinnis, coaxed a consistent performance from her Diamonds-studded side at Brisbane's Nissan Arena, with the Vixens scoring 15 in each quarter.
They twice trailed by three in the first quarter, but never relinquished the lead once they hit the front after 13 minutes.
Queensland's losing streak stretched to 13, after they lost the last 12 matches of their 2025 campaign.
The Vixens were up by one, five and six at the end of the first three quarters respectively and a 5-1 start to the last quarter gave them a 10-point buffer.
"The Firebirds came out and challenged us, but really proud of the consistency we had over the four quarters," Vixens mid-courter and player of the match Kate Moloney told Fox Sports and Kayo.
"We'll look to continue to build, but this group is as hungry as ever and we're going to need to improve if we're going to keep winning games."
Queensland racked up three more intercepts but couldn't match the consistency of the Vixens shooters.
The ultra reliable Diamonds combination of Kiera Austin (27/29) and Sophie Garbin (30/35), converted 89 per cent of the Vixens' attempts.
Conversely, Firebirds shot just under 70 per cent with Ugandan Mary Cholhok (34/43), Selby-Rickit and Emily Moore (both 5/10) all struggling for consistency.
